Omega Seamaster Quartz Ref. ST 196.0177
Dress / Casual Quartz Watch · Omega (Swatch Group), positioned in the luxury tier with a storied heritage in precision timekeeping and dive watches.
Period: Quartz Revolution Era (Late 1970s-1980s)
Type
Dress / Casual Quartz Watch
Brand
Omega (Swatch Group), positioned in the luxury tier with a storied heritage in precision timekeeping and dive watches.
Movement
Quartz caliber (likely Omega Cal. 1330 or similar in-house electronic quartz movement), high reliability, battery-powered.
Dimensions
Case diameter approximately 35-36 mm, thickness around 9 mm, lug-to-lug distance 41 mm, lug width 18 mm. Wears slightly larger due to the angular case geometry.
Description
A handsome and historically fascinating piece from Omega's transitional catalog, this Seamaster Quartz captures the bold, angular design language that manufacturers adopted to combat the quartz revolution. Its crisp lines, minimalist matte black dial, and reliable electronic heart make it an understated daily wearer with genuine vintage pedigree.
Key Features
Angular tonneau-to-octagonal case geometry, minimalist matte black dial with applied markers, classic 1970s integrated design cues, and reliable Omega quartz caliber.
Dial Description
Matte black dial with applied silver-toned baton indices, slender baton hands with luminous inserts, framed date window at the 3 o'clock position, and printed silver Omega logo with classic lettering alongside 'Seamaster QUARTZ' text.
Case Material
Stainless steel with a combination of brushed and polished finishes, featuring a distinct multifaceted geometric bezel structure.
Crystal Type
Flat mineral glass crystal, offering clear visibility with standard scratch resistance typical of the era.
Bezel Details
Integrated, faceted octagonal or geometric fixed bezel in stainless steel, matching the sharp case design lines characteristic of late 1970s and 1980s styling.
Crown & Pushers
Standard unsigned push-pull stainless steel crown located at the traditional 3 o'clock position for time and date setting.
Bracelet or Strap
Currently head-only, designed to accept integrated or standard 18mm leather straps or original stainless steel brick-link bracelets.
Caseback Details
Solid stainless steel snap-on or screw-down caseback, typically featuring the classic Omega Seamaster Seahorse/Hippocampus medallion embossing in the center.
Movement Type
Quartz caliber (likely Omega Cal. 1330 or similar in-house electronic quartz movement), high reliability, battery-powered.
Water Resistance
Originally rated to 30 meters (3 ATM), though given the age and vintage nature of the watch, it should be treated as non-water-resistant until pressure tested with new gaskets.
Origin & Provenance
Swiss Made, manufactured in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, featuring an in-house Omega quartz movement developed during the quartz crisis era.
Age Estimate
Circa late 1970s to early 1980s based on the dial typography, case geometry, and movement technology.
Cultural Significance
Represents the Swiss watch industry's pragmatic pivot during the Quartz Crisis, showcasing how traditional luxury houses successfully infused their design DNA into electronic timepieces.
Condition Notes
Case shows moderate surface wear and scratches consistent with age and careful use. Crystal is relatively clean. Dial and hands remain well-preserved with intact lume plots. Overall condition is Very Good for a vintage timepiece.
Value Estimate
Estimated secondary market value ranges from $300 to $700 USD depending on condition, presence of the original bracelet, and service history.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid moisture exposure due to aged gaskets; replace the silver-oxide battery promptly upon depletion to prevent leakage; store in a dry environment away from strong magnetic fields.
Similar Watches
Omega Constellation Quartz, Tissot Seastar Quartz, Longines Quartz models from the same era, and early Seiko Quartz dress watches.
Interesting Facts
During the late 1970s, Swiss giants like Omega heavily invested in quartz technology to compete with affordable Japanese imports, leading to unique architectural designs that have recently gained massive traction among neo-vintage collectors.